The stand-off between the club and Seluk could have been tricky if Toure had been disaffected by the situation, but Sagna said he could not have handled it better.

Yaya Toure was congratulated by Pep Guardiola after his match-winning display at Crystal Palace

And that was why they applauded him off the field at Selhurst Park, said Sagna.

“It could have been a difficult situation,” said Sagna.

“But knowing the man I was not surprised to see him achieving the game he played at Palace because he was always respectful to everyone, always professional, and he is always the first one to try to play football, his football.

“He was vital for us. Technically, he made a big difference in getting us back into the game – and he scored two goals!”

Yaya scores his first goal at Selhurst Park

And Sagna spoke for the dressing room when he added: “I am very pleased for him because it has not been easy for him in the past few weeks.

“But he kept working really hard in training, stayed professional, and that was his just reward.

“Everyone knows his quality, and he showed he is a great player. Everyone was expecting a lot from him and he responded back.

“The manager showed his confidence in Yaya, and Yaya gave it back to him.

“Yaya is a great guy and has always been part of the club – no-one doubts he is a great player, but he showed some character and proved he can be decisive.”